Andrés Robalino-López | Energy and Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Andrés Robalino-López | Energy and Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr Andrés Robalino-López, Escuela Politécnica Nacional, Ecuador

Prof. Dr. Andrés Robalino-López is a distinguished academic and researcher at Escuela Politécnica Nacional (EPN), Ecuador, with an extensive background in environmental technologies, innovation, and complex systems. With a PhD earned cum laude from Universidad de Huelva, Spain, he combines academic rigor with practical leadership in research, innovation ecosystems, and entrepreneurship. As a key figure in Ecuador’s academic landscape, he serves as Deputy Dean, program coordinator, and research director. Internationally recognized through affiliations with MIT’s REAP program and the Academy of Sciences of Ecuador, his interdisciplinary contributions span environmental modeling, innovation management, and sustainable development. His research has informed policy, supported national and international projects worth over $500K, and been published in high-impact journals. His commitment to systemic transformation through science, education, and public policy underscores his eligibility for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile

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Education

Dr. Robalino-López earned his PhD in Environmental Technologies (cum laude) from Universidad de Huelva, Spain (2014), focusing on carbon emissions and sustainable development using system dynamics. He also holds Master’s degrees in Control Engineering (2012) and Environmental Technologies (2011) from the same university. He completed an MBA in Innovation (2022) from Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Ecuador. His engineering foundation was laid at Escuela Politécnica Nacional (2008), where he graduated cum laude in ICT. He has undertaken postgraduate studies in Energy and Environment at Glasgow Caledonian University, UK (2010) and served as a visiting researcher at Università Politecnica delle Marche, Italy (2013). His academic training is rounded out by executive programs at MIT, Berkeley, Taiwan, Brazil, and other global institutions, reflecting a strong and continuous commitment to interdisciplinary and global education.

Experience

Prof. Robalino has over a decade of academic and research leadership at Escuela Politécnica Nacional, serving as Full Professor, Deputy Dean, and Program Coordinator for multiple postgraduate and research initiatives. Internationally, he has represented Ecuador in MIT’s REAP program since 2017, leading entrepreneurship and innovation acceleration. His role as Horizon Europe – NCP for EIT and various positions such as Department Chair, Innovation Transfer Coordinator, and External Auditor (CES) underscores his systemic impact. His hands-on engagement in over a dozen research projects and development initiatives—totaling more than $500K in funding—spans renewable energy, sustainability, and technological innovation. He is also a sought-after lecturer, teaching in postgraduate and PhD programs, with additional experience in collaborative research in Spain and Italy. His leadership blends academic depth with policy-level engagement and international collaboration.

Awards and Honors

Prof. Robalino’s contributions have been widely recognized. He was awarded Best Researcher by CEDIA in 2023, following a nomination in 2022. In 2020, he was inducted into the Academy of Sciences of Ecuador, and in 2019, he received commendation from MIT-REAP for contributions to innovation ecosystems in Quito. At a national level, EPN awarded him the Research Production Award (2015). He is a recipient of numerous prestigious fellowships, including the SENESCYT Dissertation Fellowship (2011–2014), Fundación Carolina, AUIP, and Erasmus, supporting studies in Spain, the UK, and Italy. Additionally, he has secured research grants for international residencies and led funded projects across multiple organizations. These accolades highlight not only his academic excellence but also his real-world impact in sustainable development, innovation management, and capacity building in Ecuador and beyond.

Research Focus

Dr. Robalino’s research lies at the intersection of environmental systems, complex system dynamics, innovation ecosystems, and technology management. His doctoral work pioneered carbon emission modeling and environmental sustainability forecasting in Ecuador using system dynamics and decomposition analysis. He has expanded this approach to entrepreneurship ecosystems, policy scenario evaluation, and sustainability indicators. His recent projects focus on organizational innovation, carbon neutrality strategies, and macroeconomic-environmental modeling. He emphasizes the use of interdisciplinary frameworks to inform national energy and sustainability policies, as seen in collaborations with CEDIA, CONQUITO, and MIT-REAP. His work often combines quantitative modeling, foresight methodologies, and system thinking to guide public and private sector strategies. By integrating research with policy, Dr. Robalino creates actionable insights for sustainable and innovation-driven development across Latin America.

Publication Top Notes

  • Studying the relationship between economic growth, CO2 emissions, and the EKC in Venezuela (1980–2025)
    Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews (2015), 215 citations
    Groundbreaking analysis on the Environmental Kuznets Curve, combining system dynamics and econometrics.

  • System dynamics modeling for renewable energy and CO2 emissions: A case study of Ecuador
    Energy for Sustainable Development (2014), 175 citations
    Pioneering use of system dynamics to simulate energy policy impacts on emissions.

  • System dynamics modelling and the environmental Kuznets curve in Ecuador (1980–2025)
    Energy Policy (2014), 104 citations
    Introduced scenario-based carbon forecasting in Ecuadorian policy research.

  • CO2 emissions convergence among 10 South American countries. A study of Kaya components
    Carbon Management (2016), 65 citations
    Comparative study highlighting regional energy-environment dynamics.

  • Regional cooperation in environmental protection via e-government
    Environment. Technologies. Resources (2017), 20 citations
    Explores digital governance for sustainable development in Andean nations.

Yansong Li | Environmental Science | Environmental Impact Award

Yansong Li | Environmental Science | Environmental Impact Award

Dr Yansong Li, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Dr. Yansong Li Yaning Chen is an eminent figure in the fields of water science and climate change, particularly in arid zones. As the Director of multiple key research units at the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, he oversees significant research initiatives focused on desert and oasis ecology. His extensive leadership across these prestigious institutes highlights his crucial role in shaping environmental research in China.

Publication Profile

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Education 

Yansong Li pursued his education at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, China 🇨🇳. This prestigious institution is known for its strong focus on research and innovation across various scientific disciplines. His academic journey here has provided him with a deep understanding of cutting-edge research methodologies and advanced technologies. The education he received at this renowned university has equipped him with the skills to contribute significantly to his field. His time in Beijing reflects his dedication to academic excellence and his passion for exploring new frontiers in science and technology. 🎓🔬🌟

Expertise and Leadership

Dr. Yansong Li is a prominent figure in the field of environmental research. He currently serves as the Director of the State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology at the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography (Chinese Academy of Sciences). He also leads the Key Laboratory of Oasis Ecology and Desert Environment and the Oasis Ecology and Oasis Agriculture Research Unit. His leadership in these critical areas underscores his dedication to understanding and mitigating the environmental challenges facing arid zones.

Scientific Contributions and Expertise

With over 300 published works, Dr. Yansong has made substantial contributions to understanding water resources and climate dynamics in arid environments. His research on water management in desert and oasis systems is particularly relevant to sustainability and environmental protection, making him a highly respected figure in his field. His expertise directly aligns with the key themes of environmental impact research, particularly in water conservation and climate resilience.

Global Recognition and Influence

Dr. Yansong is among the top 2% of scientists globally, underscoring his research’s global impact. His high citation count and continuous recognition as a highly cited scholar reflect his influence on environmental and ecological sciences. This global standing demonstrates his authority and thought leadership in addressing environmental challenges in arid ecosystems.

Research Focus

Yansong Li’s research focuses on climate change, hydrology, and environmental sustainability 🌍💧. His work, particularly in the Tarim River Basin, examines the characteristics of dry and wet conditions using the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) 📊. This area of study is crucial for understanding the impacts of climate change on water resources and regional ecosystems, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. By analyzing past and future trends, Li contributes to predicting climate variability and helping devise strategies for water management and environmental protection 🌿⛅, aligning with global sustainability goals.

Publication Top Notes

Characteristics of Dry and Wet Changes and Future Trends in the Tarim River Basin Based on the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index

Conclusion

Given his leadership, extensive research contributions, and global recognition in environmental science, Dr. Yansong Li Yaning Chen stands out as a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Environmental Impact Award. His work in water management and climate change mitigation in arid zones addresses key environmental challenges, making him a deserving nominee for this prestigious award.

Keynesménio Neto | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Keynesménio Neto | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Assist Prof Dr Keynesménio Neto, University of São Tomé and Príncipe, Sao Tome and Principe

Publication profile

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Educational Background

Assist Prof Dr. Keynesménio Neto is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Geological Resources and Environment at the University of Coimbra, focusing on the “Geological Heritage of São Tomé and Príncipe.” He holds a Master’s degree in Geosciences with a specialization in Petroleum Geology, where he explored the “Nanofósseis calcários” of Portugal.

Professional Experience

Dr. Neto has been a researcher at the University of Coimbra since 2010 and has served as an Invited Assistant at various institutions, including the Public University of São Tomé and Príncipe. He has extensive teaching experience and has played a significant role in educational and research projects.

Research Contributions

His work includes notable publications such as “Geoheritage at the Equator: Selected Geosites of São Tomé Island,” and “Geoconservation in Africa: State of the Art and Future Challenges,” highlighting his expertise in geoheritage and sustainable practices. He actively contributes to scientific committees and international conferences, further demonstrating his commitment to advancing environmental education.

Distinctions and Grants

Dr. Neto received grants to support oral presentations for young researchers and has been recognized for his contributions to the field, exemplifying his influence on future generations.

Publication top notes

Geoheritage at the equator: selected geosites of São Tomé island (Cameron line, Central Africa)

Geoconservation in Africa: State of the art and future challenges

Nanofosseis calcarios da passagem Aaleniano-Bajociano do perfil do Cabo Mondego-Portugal (GSSP do Bajociano)

Geoheritage at the Equator: Revisiting Selected Geosites of São Tomé Island (Cameron Line, Central Africa)

Day 1; Stop 1A–Cabo Mondego North

geoheritage at the equator: selected geosites of São Tomé Island (Cameron Line, Central Africa). Sustainability 7: 648–667

Geoheritage of the Príncipe UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve (West Africa): Selected Geosites

A Geo-Itinerary to Foster Sustainable Tourism in West African Islands: Storytelling the Evolution of the Ancient Cameroon Volcanic Line Coral Reefs

Os geo-itinerários como meio de divulgação do património geológico de São Tomé e Príncipe

Conclusion

Given his academic qualifications, extensive research contributions, teaching experience, and active participation in scientific discourse, Assist Prof Dr. Keynesménio Neto is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. His dedication to geological heritage and education positions him as a leading figure in his field. 🌍📚🏆

 

Gang Hu | Ecology and Conservation | Best Researcher Award

Gang Hu | Ecology and Conservation | Best Researcher Award

Dr Gang Hu Nanning, Normal University, China

Based on the information provided, Dr. Gang Hu appears to be a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication profile

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Academic and Professional Background

Dr. Gang Hu is a Master’s Supervisor at Nanning Normal University and an adjunct at Guangxi University. Specializing in vegetation ecology and plant geography, Dr. Hu has served on the editorial boards of prestigious journals like Soil Science and Environment and Subtropical Plant Science. With leadership in ten projects funded by national and regional foundations and a second-class Guangxi Science and Technology Progress Award, Dr. Hu has published 140 papers, including 40 indexed in the SCI database, and contributed to five books, demonstrating a profound impact in his field.

Research and Innovations

Dr. Hu has made significant strides in research, leading nine projects under the National Natural Science Foundation of China and five with the Guangxi Natural Science Foundation. His work has garnered over 1,010 citations, reflecting an H-index of 18, a measure of his research impact. In addition to academic projects, Dr. Hu has collaborated on ten consultancy or industry-sponsored projects and has published four patents currently in process. His scholarly output includes forty papers indexed in SCI and five published books, showcasing his extensive contributions to scientific literature.

Contributions to Science

One of Dr. Hu’s key contributions is the establishment of a vegetation transect across different climatic zones in China’s karst regions. This study, involving long-term monitoring of plant and soil microbial diversity and environmental factors, provides critical insights into the phytogeographical patterns and processes in karst ecosystems. His findings offer a scientific foundation for ecological restoration and forest management, underlining his contributions to the understanding and conservation of biodiversity in subtropical regions.

Conclusion

Given his extensive research contributions, leadership in high-impact projects, and recognized publications, Dr. Gang Hu is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. His work in vegetation ecology and plant geography not only advances scientific knowledge but also provides practical solutions for environmental management and restoration.